Karl Darlow to start for Wales as Leeds United keeper benefits from Craig Bellamy decision
Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is in line to start for Wales in their match against Montenegro on Monday (14 October), according to The Sun.
The news outlet reported in their print edition (14 October, page 48) that Dragons manager Craig Bellamy is set to make a change between the sticks for the fourth game running, with Darlow the beneficiary.
Darlow, 33, only made his international debut for Wales last month, but after Danny Ward’s own goal in their 2-2 draw with Iceland last time out, the United stopper will be given the nod once again for his second cap.
Karl Darlow can boost Leeds United chances with return to Wales XI
Darlow looks set to benefit from one goalkeeping clanger on international duty, and it’s something of a coincidence that the same could happen at Elland Road after Illan Meslier’s howler against Sunderland.
Although Daniel Farke has backed Meslier to the hilt in the fallout of his scarcely-believable error at the Stadium of Light, a strong performance for Wales against Montenegro would do Darlow no harm.
The veteran already impressed pundits on his Dragons debut last month, and another strong display – and potential clean sheet too – would give Farke plenty to think about.
Few United fans would have expected Darlow to displace Meslier in the side whatsoever this season, but the respective errors he’s witnessed in the last two games have opened the door for the 33-year-old.
Farke maintaining confidence in Meslier to bounce back is the most sensible move the Peacocks manager could have made, but that won’t stop Darlow from putting on all the pressure he can.
In other Leeds news, a new signing is “in the balance” with the player spending several days at Thorp Arch last week.
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